Constipation in Cats
Natural Remedies for Constipated Cats
My cat is constipated! Is there something natural that can help?
Your cat's constipation or hard stools can be easily managed through diet and nutrition. Here are some tips:
Summary
Probiotics improve intestinal function and effectively combat constipation. When your cat is constipated, give 2-3 times the normal dosage of Probiotic Miracle® or MiracleZyme® combo chews, twice per day. This will help increase gut activity and regulate your cat's stool elimination.
WHAT IS IT?
Constipation in cats is absent, infrequent, or difficult defecation. Most healthy cats have one or two stools a day depending on the cat and the diet. Cats suffering from constipation may not defecate for 3 days or more which leads to the feces retention in the colon where they can become dry and hard and require forceful straining to pass.
A cat that is constipated may suffer from other serious health problems, like leaky gut, if the condition is recurring or persists for long.
CAUSES OF CAT CONSTIPATION
- Commonly used medications
- Over-grooming which leads to extra cat hair in the digestive tract
- Obstruction, including string or bones
- Diets that are low in fiber
- Enlarged prostate gland, in male cats
- Cat obesity
SIGNS YOUR CAT IS CONSTIPATED
To recognize cat constipation, look for your cat straining to defecate, or infrequent defecation. You may also notice dry or hard stools.
NATURAL REMEDIES
-
Provide Water
Increasing water intake to help hydrate the colon. -
Increase opportunities to eliminate
Make sure your cat has open access to their litter box. Holding stools perpetuates a constipated cat. -
Supplement
Provide digestive support with probiotics. Probiotics naturally soften the stools by drawing water into the colon.
It is distressing to find that your cat is constipated, however, this is an easily treated problem. If you find that your cat has chronic constipation, be sure to consult with your vet to be sure there is not a serious blockage in your cat's colon.
